Links & Statistics - Lost Minds
Links between mental health, housing and homelessness. Information from:
Around nine per cent of households accepted as unintentionally homeless are in priority need due to mental illness. [40] Many homeless people find it difficult to register with a GP. As being registered with a GP is often the first step towards getting support, homeless people often fall outside the system and get no help. [41] This is particularly worrying as around 30-40 per cent of rough sleepers have mental health problems. Some have suggested that as many as When a scheme aimed at helping homeless people was introduced in Exeter, they found that referrals to psychiatric support facilities dropped by 76 per cent. [43] One survey suggests that 94 per cent of homeless men and 90 percent of homeless women developed mental health problems before they became homeless. [44]
Homelessness and housing problems increase a person's chances of physical and mental ill health. Homeless people are more likely to experience physical, mental and emotional problems than the general population. [39]
*
70 per cent of homeless people experience some form of mental health problem. [42]
One in five people say that mental health problems were a reason for becoming homeless.
Mental ill health is also a major contributor to homelessness among young people. A study in London found that more than 18 per cent of young homeless people had received a psychiatric diagnosis including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and clinical depression. [45] The diagnoses were made before they became homeless.
[39] Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004, Homelessness Statistics December 2003 and Addressing the Health Needs of Homeless People, Policy Briefing 7, Homelessness and Housing Support and DH
[40] Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004, Homelessness Statistics December 2003 and Addressing the Health Needs of Homeless People, Policy Briefing 7, Homelessness and Housing Support and DH [41] O ffice of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004, Homelessness Statistics December 2003 and Addressing the Health Needs of Homeless People, Policy Briefing 7, Homelessness and Housing Support and DH
[42] Broadway, 2004, Homelessness and Mental Health Factsheet
[43] Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004, Homelessness Statistics December 2003 and Addressing the Health Needs of Homeless People, Policy Briefing 7, Homelessness and Housing Support and DH [44] Dr Dean, R and Prof Craig, T, 1999, Pressure points: Why people with mental health problems become homeless, Crisis
You are viewing the text version of this site.
To view the full version please install the Adobe Flash Player and ensure your web browser has JavaScript enabled.
Need help? check the requirements page.
